The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.

Military branches: People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP): Army, Coast Guard (includes maritime air wing) (2007) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age (est.) for selective compulsory military service; 14-month conscript service obligation (2006) Manpower available for military service: males age 16-49: 103,650females age 16-49: 103,553 (2008 est.) Manpower fit for military service: males age 16-49: 83,082females age 16-49: 88,832 (2008 est.)